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ABSTRACT: Importance
Although the barriers to dementia care in primary care are well characterized, primary care practitioner (PCP) perspectives could be used to support the design of values-aligned dementia care pathways that strengthen the role of primary care.Objective
To describe PCP perspectives on their role in dementia diagnosis and care.Design, setting, and participation
In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 39 PCPs (medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and doctors of osteopathic medicine) in California between March 2020 and November 2022. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis.Main outcomes and measures
Overarching themes associated with PCP roles in dementia care.Results
Interviews were conducted with 39 PCPs (25 [64.1%] were female; 16 [41%] were Asian). The majority (36 PCPs [92.3%]) reported that more than half of their patients were insured via MediCal, the California Medicaid program serving low-income individuals. Six themes were identified that convey PCPs' perspectives on their role in dementia care. These themes focused on (1) their role as first point of contact and in the diagnostic workup; (2) the importance of long-term, trusting relationships with patients; (3) the value of understanding patients' life contexts; (4) their work to involve and educate families; (5) their activities around coordinating dementia care; and (6) how the care they want to provide may be limited by systems-level constraints.Conclusions and relevance
In this qualitative study of PCP perspectives on their role in dementia care, there was alignment between PCP perspectives about the core values of primary care and their work diagnosing and providing care for people living with dementia. The study also identified a mismatch between these values and the health systems infrastructure for dementia care in their practice environment.
SUBMITTER: Sideman AB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10539983 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Sideman Alissa Bernstein AB Ma Melissa M Hernandez de Jesus Alma A Alagappan Cecilia C Razon Na'amah N Dohan Daniel D Chodos Anna A Al-Rousan Tala T Alving Loren I LI Segal-Gidan Freddi F Rosen Howie H Rankin Katherine P KP Possin Katherine L KL Borson Soo S
JAMA network open 20230905 9
<h4>Importance</h4>Although the barriers to dementia care in primary care are well characterized, primary care practitioner (PCP) perspectives could be used to support the design of values-aligned dementia care pathways that strengthen the role of primary care.<h4>Objective</h4>To describe PCP perspectives on their role in dementia diagnosis and care.<h4>Design, setting, and participation</h4>In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 39 PCPs (medical doctors, nurse practitioners, ...[more]